ATHLEISURE MAG #88 | JOHN NEWMAN
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with EDM DJ/Producer, singer/songwriter, and composer, John Newman. We talk with him after the release of his latest single, Hold On To My Love which he released at Tomorrowland Winter as a Tomorrowland artist. We talk about how he got into the industry, how he stays creative and his upcoming Tomorrowland Brazil performance later on this year! From a DJ/Producer, we go to Jesse McFaddin of RIZE and The Bonez. Jesse is a singer/songwriter, composer, guitarist, rapper, philanthropist, and fashion designer in Japan. We talk with him about his passion for music, his creative process, and upcoming projects that he is involved in. We love gaining various perspectives through food and this month, we sit down with Chef Yia Vang who shares his love of Hmong food, is a chef/owner of Union Hmong Kitchen and Vinai, is a TV Personality and host of Feral and is a multi-nominated James Beard Award winner. We talk about his success and trailblazing is an homage to his parents legacy, creating a safe space for his team to be able to add themselves into the landscape and the importance of identity. We love a good comfort meal and one that we can order ahead so that we can always have it is even better! We talk with the founders of MiLa who are known for their soup dumplings that ship nationwide. We talk about how this brick-and-mortar business included shipping their dumplings across the nation during the pandemic, their growing assortment and bringing Marvel's and upcoming Barbie star, Simu Liu onto their team as their Chief Creative Officer.
We also catch up with Case Walker who starts in HBO's The Other Two. We talk about the parallels between himself and his character as well as how he takes time for himself when he is bouldering and rock climbing. We always enjoy catching up with those in Bachelor Nation and this month we talk with season 21's Danielle Lombard. We talk about sustainability and the role it plays in her life as well as her partnership with Astral Tequila. She also talks with us about what her experience was as a contestant on the show, the group chats and who are her girls in Bachelor Nation.
This month’s 9PLAYLIST comes from guitarist, rapper, singer/songwriter Jesse McFaddin. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Founder/designer` of Aliette Jason Rembert. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Leah Van Dale who wrestles under the name Carmella in WWE as well as Chef Yia Vang. Our 9DRIP comes from EDM/DJ John Newman.
Our monthly feature, The Art of the Snack shares a must-visit to Luthun in NYC. This month’s Athleisure List comes from Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure Experience and Mimi Cheng's. As always, we have our monthly roundups of some of our favorite finds.
Read the APR ISSUE #88 with John Newman.
Featured
9LIST STORI3S | LEAH VAN DALE
ATHLEISURE MAG #87 | Chef Todd English
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with 4X James Beard Award Winner, Restaurateur, Hotelier, Entrepreneur, Best-Selling Author, TV Host/Personality, Food Advocate, and Philanthropist Chef Todd English. We talked about how he got into the industry, his passion for food and upcoming projects that we should keep an eye out for. We also chatted with Chef Kristen Kish to talk about her latest show which is available on National Geographic and streams on Disney+ Restaurants at the End of the World. In our interview last fall, we heard a bit about this show, but now we're able to find out how this project came together, where she traveled to, who she cooked with and what she learned from this experience. With the final season of NBC's The Blacklist currently airing, we caught up with Hisham Tawfiq to talk about how a career in the Marines, being a Firefighter for the FDNY as well as a Correctional Officer in Sing Sing led to him being one of our favorite actors on this show. We also talked with Tetiana Gaidar a choreographer, dancer and tactical trainer who recently appeared as the antagonist in BOSCH: Legacy as well as a trainer for Keanu Reeves in John Wick 4. She tells us how she got into the industry, how she navigates between her skillsets and her upcoming projects.
We also have our editorial Weekend Muse which highlights looks from WFH, fitness, active and date night that we'll be wearing this spring. This shoot took place at The Muse New York Hotel in Times Square and includes some of our favorite items (MPG Sport, Dagne Dover, Tracksmith, Mavi Jeans, Athleisureverse, Sequin Jewelry, Fabletics, Athletic Propulsion Labs, Psycho Bunny and Lagos. We also interviewed the General Manager of The Muse New York to talk about the buildings history in the city, how it serves its guest and what amenities it offers. Our team for this shoot includes PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Hannah Lauren | HAIR STYLIST Brooke Bogle | MODELS/STATE MANAGEMENT Tora Rozario + Christopher Aldea.
This month’s 9PLAYLIST comes from EDM DJ/Producer Marshmello. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from Leah Van Dale, a WWE Superstar who wrestles under Carmella. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Tetiana Gaidar. We share our favorite looks from Awards Season in THE 9LIST R3DCARP3T where actors and their glam team share how they created the looks for their big night.
Our monthly feature, The Art of the Snack shares a must visit to A Fish Called Avalon in Miami’s Art Deco district. This month’s Athleisure List comes from Escape and Döner Haus in the East Village. As always, we have our monthly roundups of some of our favorite finds.
Read the MAR ISSUE #87 with Chef Todd English.
Featured
BEYOND THE RING | LEAH VAN DALE
It's always great to reconnect with our faves and see how they continue to blaze new trails as they navigate the intersectionality of their lives. We first met Leah Van Dale back in 2019 for her SEP ISSUE #45 with us at the Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel. In this month's issue, she talks about her routine to the ring in WWE as Carmella who always knows how to bring the drama and athleticism, the importance of self-care, her recent marriage to Matt Polinsky/WWE's Corey Graves and her approach to fashion as she's always rocking amazing looks unapologetically.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s so good to re-connect with you again and to catch up! To connect all of our readers at Athleisure Mag, what have you been up to, what are you looking forward to in terms of this year as you navigate your upcoming matches in the WWE?
LEAH VAN DALE: Yeah, I just had my first match back in about 7 months on Feb 6th! That was really exciting to be able to be back in the ring with a new look and back to my Moonwalking, trash talking, Princess of Staten Island character! It’s been a minute since I have been able to do that. I’m really enjoying that. I just really want to be able to focus on being the best version of me that I can and to have a lot of fun. That’s really my goal this year, to have a lot of fun and to not put too much pressure on myself.
AM: That’s great! In terms of the WWE, are there any events that you’re looking forward to that we should mark our calendars for?
LVD: Absolutely on the 18th, we have the Elimination Chamber, a Premium Live Event. I’m going to be in the chamber, there will be 6 of us, we’ll all be facing each other. The winner will face Bianca Belair at WrestleMania for the Raw Women’s Championship. I have never held the Raw Championship. I have been Smackdown Champion, I’ve been Tag Team Champion, but I have never held the Raw Title so I’m really hoping that I can win that match and go up against Bianca Belair for that match at WrestleMania.
AM: Obviously, we hope that you do! When you know that you will be heading into the ring, are there routines that you do before and after the matches so that you can prepare for the fight and do you have things that you do when you’re coming down after exerting all of that energy?
LVD: Oh yeah! I have a huge stretch routine. I have to stretch! I was a dancer in the first part of my life and I feel like I lost my flexibility because of the regimen that I do, being in the ring and the injuries that I have gone through. So because I feel like I lost a lot of my flexibility, stretching has been something that I have been focusing on a lot more lately. So I do a huge stretch before the match and then I really like to listen to Megan Thee Stallion. I put my headphones on and I just get in the zone and remind myself of what a bad B that I am and try to channel my inner Megan Thee Stallion and just get into character. Because Carmella is a lot different then Leah so I feel like I have to really remind myself of who I am and what I’m going out there to do.
After my match, something that I have learned through acupuncture because of my acupuncturist is that with WWE, it’s just go, go, go all the time, so it's to be more in the moment. It’s on to the next thing, hurry up and get to the airport, hurry up and land and get your rental car, hurry up and get to the hotel, hurry up and try to get some sleep, try to go to the gym. It’s always go, go, go, so I feel like I want to try to focus more on being in the moment. After that match and coming down from being on that high and adrenaline that took place out there which is running through my veins like that, I want to come down from that and just take a few minutes backstage by myself, unwind, recognize what I just did, being out there and performing in front of all of these people and then come back and just kind of take a minute and breathe! It's just about recognizing what I did, to be present and then to be able to move on to the next thing without being in such a blur.
AM: You’re clearly a fit person and especially in what you do. We have a great mild winter that has been taking place here in NY, which makes us think of the Spring and the Summer. What are 3 workouts that you do that we should consider adding into our own routines?
LVD: Ooo that’s a good question! I’m a huge advocate for [solidcore]. It’s basically Pilates I suppose, but Pilates to the 100th degree! It is insane and I’m really huge on that. So, I used to lift heavy for most of my career and most of my life, and I found that doing Pilates and doing [solidcore] has really transformed my body as it’s more resistance-based training as opposed to lifting heavy. It’s been so good on my muscles and my joints and I just feel like a new person. I feel strong and prepared when I do [solidcore]. So, I would definitely say that!
I’m huge into yoga I’m a big yogi. I really enjoy what it does for my body and my mind, both inside and out, huge fan of yoga. I think that honestly, I live in the city of Pittsburgh and I do a lot of walking. I think it’s pretty underrated. I love to go out for a nice walk, I bring my dog with me and I just walk all over the place. I walk to get coffee, I walk to go to the store. Anywhere I go, to get lunch, to get a juice – it’s so underrated, go outside, take a walk and get going! The steps add up.
AM: Oh yeah when you’re with your dog or your friends, it’s a nice thing to do. Totally agree with you.
As an entrepreneur, what do you look for when it comes to brands you’re thinking of launching or even partnering with others?
LVD: Great question! I feel that it has to be something that is super authentic to you. Anyone can go out and try to make a business out of something. But if you don’t love it and you’re not passionate about it, it’s going to feel like work, it’s gong to be work no matter what – but you’re going to notice how hard it is and how difficult it is if you don’t love it. I even look at it that way with the WWE. There’s no way that just anyone can walk off the street and do what we do. Not only because of the physical toll that it takes on you in the ring, but the travel! It’s so demanding! If you don’t love it, there’s no way that you’re going to last.
AM: I couldn’t agree with you more! I have to say that I have such a respect for you and the other WWE people. When we’ve shot with you, Nattie, Trinity and Danielle Moinet, when you guys came to set you’d share that you just drove 3 hours to get there, you had a fight the day before, a fight later on that same day after our shoot and the amount of schedules that you guys juggle and yet to see how happy you are and how you still interact with fans is insane!
LVD: It is a lot, but I think that you have to have great time management skills and like I said, if you love it, it doesn’t feel as difficult because you’re doing something that you’re enjoying. So you get an instant gratification from that.
AM: Are there ventures that you’re exploring that you’re able to share? Something that you’ve done which is really great, is that in addition to us knowing you as an athlete, you cover other areas in business because you’re truly an entrepreneur.
LVD: Well, I actually have something in the works that I can’t say just yet. When we’re able to announce it, it will be exciting! I’m really trying to focus on fashion right now and explore it. It’s something that I’m passionate about, I love it and I enjoy it. I’ve always loved clothes since I was a kid. I just think that it’s fun to be able to express yourself and to show who you are by what you’re wearing. I think that that is something that I will really try to focus on this year. I would love to have an athleisure line and to get more into that realm. I’m putting that out into the universe because it’s something that I really want to be able to do and to dive into.
AM: I could see you doing that as your IG always shows you killing a range of looks!
You recently got married to Matt! How is it juggling your busy lives with both of you part of WWE, working, traveling and your family? It’s so exciting.
LVD: It is so exciting! I think that we have really found our way into the groove. We both have such demanding and crazy schedules! Luckily, we’re both on Raw, so we’re on the same show; however, we both have separate commitments outside of just Raw. I have live events, he has currently been working with NXT talent. So we’re just kind of all over the place. FaceTime is great, we’re always communicating via text, all day every day. It just makes our time when we’re together, that much better because we get to be in the moment and present and enjoy each other. We have things that we can catch up on, but if we’re together all day every day, we already know everything happening in each other’s lives. It’s great to have a little bit of separation because then we can come together and chat about the things that we have going on with each other.
AM: It’s always fun to see you guys on IG or when you were doing your podcast show together, are there other projects that the two of you will do together that you’re able to share?
LVD: There’s actually nothing in the works right now. We love working together. It’s funny because we truly complement each other so well. We are truly opposite from each other. He’s more quiet and you know, a little mysterious, whereas I’m more kind of like obnoxious, annoying and just in your face. It’s funny the way that we compliment each other. We are thinking about bringing our podcast back. We had to take a break with getting married, then work was just insane and then life just got in the way. But our fans are really asking for it so I think that when the time is right, we will eventually go back to the podcast. There’s so much to update everyone on.
AM: It was so fun to listen to and I love a whole peanut butter and jelly aspect!
A few minutes ago, we were talking about fashion. How do you approach your closet? You wear items that are sporty to those that are chic, you play with proportions. You can truly tell that you just embrace playing and seeing what works and just enjoying that. How do you approach your closet in terms of the looks for the day and events when you’re going out?
LVD: I think that if someone were to ask me how I would describe my style, I don’t have a specific style. I like anything and everything. When I’m just at home, I’m usually in sweats. But I like for it to be something cute like a matching set or just a big baggy sweatpants and a crop top. I feel like I really try to just do the most. I don’t care if the look might offend someone. I’m always in a crop top, even if it’s in the winter, I really don’t care. I’m going to do the most, I just want to do something that makes me feel good and to just make a statement. I think it’s important that when it comes to my closet, that I don’t spend a lot of money on trendy items. I like to spend my money on a classic piece and something that I can wear forever and something that will last forever and won’t go out of style. If I’m going to go for something that’s trendy, it’s going to be a lot cheaper. I like to pair something cheap, with something expensive. If I have a nice pair of Louis boots and then I wear it with my $20 Fashion Nova jeans, who cares?
AM: How do you take time for yourself in terms of self-care so that you can reset and be present for whatever it is that is on your agenda?
LVD: As I mentioned earlier in working with my acupuncturist, that’s something that I have really been focusing on for the last few months. I think that it’s so important to take time for yourself. It’s not selfish. It’s a great way I think to be able to reset and to just be present in your everyday life. If you’re taking time for yourself, then you’re going to be a better wife, a better daughter, a better friend and a better employee. That’s because you’re not all over the place. I think it’s important to stay in the moment. I really like to schedule appointments. So if I have an appointment for my yoga, for my acupuncture, for a stretch, PT or the chiropractor then I make that commitment and I have to go. If I say, “oh I will stretch out when I’m at home,” there’s no way that I am going to do it. I’m going to get wrapped up in work or a phone call that is going to distract me. So I feel, that for me, when I make appointments, I have scheduled something and I know that I will be paying for it. I have to commit and I have to do it!
AM: For sure! There’s nothing worse than seeing a charge for a no show fee because you weren’t there. You’re just cheating yourself.
LVD: That’s the worst, legitimately the worst!
AM: What do you want your legacy to be in terms of the sport and the world? What’s that mark that others can look to and say that they know that that was what Leah Van Dale did and/or contributed to?
LVD: Oh my gosh, that’s such a huge and crazy question to hear! I think that when it comes to that, I want women, especially young women in general just to be able to realize that you don’t have to be just one thing. I think for a long time I thought that I was just a WWE SuperStar or I’m just the girl that comes out and dresses sexy on TV or I’m the girl that was the last Draft Pick in 2016. I’m so much more than that and I don’t have to fit into just one box! As women, that’s sort of what we are taught in society and it’s made us think that we are just one thing. No, I have so many more things to me and different aspects and sides of me that I want to share and I don’t have to be just the girl that dresses sexy or the girl in WWE. I’m also a step mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend and there are so many other things that define me! I’m not just one thing. I think that if I can pass anything on to women and using my social media platform and my following, that’s what I want women to know. You don’t have to be that and your thing can change by the way! Who I was in 2017 is a hell of a lot different then who I am now and that’s so different from who I am going to be a year from now! It’s ok to change, evolve and grow.
AM: And sometimes, circling back!
LVD: For sure! Absolutely!
AM: There have been things that 8 years ago you did it and whatever and then last year you think about it and realize that you want to bring it back to the front burner again. Things are fluid and we shouldn’t be beating up on ourselves.
IG @carmellawwe
PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 40 - 47 + 9LIST STORI3S PG 48, 49 + 51 Leah Van Dale
Read the FEB ISSUE #86 of Athleisure Mag and see BEYOND THE RING | Leah Van Dale in mag.
Featured
9DRIP | LEAH VAN DALE
PHOTO CREDIT | Hurley
ATHLEISURE MAG #86 | CARISSA MOORE
In this month’s issue, our cover story is 5 X World Surf League Women’s Champion and Team USA Surfing Olympic Gold Medalist, Carissa Moore. We talk about how she got into the sport, her passion for surfing, talks about the season, upcoming tournaments, traveling to exotic locals to do what she loves, her organization Moore Aloha and the importance of self-care. We also caught up with the first female snowboarder to win back-to-back Team USA Snowboarding Olympic Gold Medalist in Half-Pipe, 5 X Gold Medalist in of the Super Half Pipe in the X Games and ESPY Winner, Chloe Kim. We talk with her about her love for snowboarding, the importance of paying it forward to the next generation so they can have the thrill of competing her partnership with Mucinex Fast Max which supports YMCAs. We enjoyed having Leah Van Dale as our cover for our SEP ISSUE #45 in 2019 where we hung out with her during her cover shoot. This WWE star who wrestles under the name Carmella has won a number of accolades was on E! Total Divas and brings energy to the stage. We catch up with her to find out what she is up to as she is back to as she is back in the ring, how she prepares and comes down after her matches, upcoming tournaments, married Matt Polinsky/WWE’s Corey Graves, hearing how she navigates entrepreneurial opportunities as well as the importance of self-care in her life. We caught up with Restaurateur/Chef Tom Colicchio to find out we could focus on the Big Game in terms of creating dishes that we can all enjoy while also being sustainable with the use of Do Good Chicken. He also talked about when he realized he wanted to be a chef and of course he gave us the inside scoop on BRAVO’s Top Chef: World All-Stars which drops Mar 9th.
We are always excited to know more about our favorite DJs from how they started, their process and of course what we need to listen to next. We took a moment with DJ/Producer Martin Jensen to find out more about him and what we can look forward to. Elaine Welteroth is a trailblazer as the former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, Journalist, NY Times Bestselling Author, and Co-Host/Judge of BRAVO’s Project Runway, we talk about how she recently moderated an engaging panel for CIROC Stands For Black Excellence which was held at NFL House during the Super Bowl in Arizona. We talked about her takeaways from this event, how we continue to support Black journalists, the importance of NABJ and what she is working on. Whitney Cummings makes us laugh whether she is in front of the screen or behind it. She shared how her partnership with Baileys and comedy is a full circle moment, how she is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and her upcoming shows that we should keep an eye out. When you think about nutrition that we eat for energy, fitness and to get the essentials that we need, an energy bar is our go-to. In this month’s issue, we met the OG who created this category. Jennifer Maxwell and her late husband Brian created POWERBAR in 1985 and even after selling it in 2000, her passion for staying in this category and innovating it led to her creating her latest venture, JAMBAR. We talk about how she went about starting this category, what led her to come back and how this bar combines her love for fitness, nutrition, community and music!
This month’s 9PLAYLIST comes from EDM DJ/Producer Martin Jensen. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from Chloe Kim. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes Founder of 8Greens which we have featured in a number of issues, Dawn Russell. Our 9DRIP, 9LIST STORI3S and 63MIX ROUTIN3S are 3 pages for each person’s spread.
Our monthly feature, The Art of the Snack shares a must visit to The Oval. This month’s Athleisure List comes from La Pulperia and The Juicy Lounge. As always, we have our monthly roundups of some of our favorite finds.
Read the FEB ISSUE #86 of Athleisure Mag.
Featured
FROM THE RING TO THE WORLD WITH DARIA BERENATO
We're excited to have Daria Berenato for this month's cover. She wrestles in the WWE under the name of Sonya Deville. This athlete started as an MMA fighter and transitioned into becoming a WWE Superstar who uses her platform as an activist for the LGBTQ community, supporting those that are looking to break barriers and of course continuing to expand her empire in fashion, acting and more. We also talked about her upcoming fight with former tag team partner, Mandy Rose on WWE SmackDown on May 8th!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Great to catchup with you and an honor to have you as our cover as we've enjoyed having Nattie, Carmella/Leah Van Dale, Naomi/Trinity Fatu, as well - when was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be an athlete?
DARIA BERENATO: Oh my God, an athlete? From the first! I used to play basketball at 4 or 5 years old in the driveway. I spent my entire life playing sports from basketball to lacrosse, soccer, track and field. Then on to MMA – Mixed Martial Arts to professional wrestling. So, I don’t even know what my life would look like without sports!
AM: I remember you on WWE Tough Enough but you actually started as an MMA fighter! What was it about that sport that drew you to it and what was your transition to wrestling and joining the WWE?
DB: Yeah so when I was 15 or 16 years old, I was in high school and I played school sports my entire life. I just wanted a change of space and I wanted something different. I always had dreams of graduating from high school, moving far away and being on TV and acting as that was always a passion of mine. I wanted to explore something else also. I didn’t know if it was going to be playing a musical instrument or a marital art.
This was a discussion that I had with my mom one day. I had been watching a lot of MMA videos and had been watching Gina Carano, a big female fighter back in the early 2000’s/2010 probably when I was watching her. I thought it would be so cool to see a chick in a cage and get into a fight and then you see her interviews in a dress. It was so cool to see someone so badass and then to be able to see her feminine side. I liked the idea of someone being beautiful and then being tough at the same time. It was really cool and I became obsessed with the MMA. I started watching every UFC and every Pay-Per-View fight night and eventually I was like, “I want to fight MMA,” and my mom was like, “I don’t even know where you would do that around here.” There weren’t any UFC gyms around here to do that. I went to a local boxing gym that was 45 minutes from my house and I started boxing judo and Jiu-Jitsu and I just loved how pure the sport was. I loved how it was a one woman sport, but that you had a whole team of coaches and training partners that you needed to work with together to get the win and stuff. It was just a really cool community and I loved it. So I moved to Florida to train with American Top Team which is one of the best teams in the world when I was 17. Literally, the day of my high school graduation, I drove down to Florida.
AM: Wow!
DB: Yes. I’m really impulsive like that. When I want something, I will do anything to get it and my heart and my mind is 120% in what I do. So yes, MMA is what I did. I fought and trained while also pursuing acting at the same time. I did that for the next 4 or 5 years and finally, I was hosting AfterBuzz TV podcast in LA where I was living at the time. Maria Menounos, is also part of the WWE family and used to be on E! News.
AM: She’s actually in this month’s issue as well! Completely random that this happened!
DB: No way! Aww that is like so perfect! So her and her husband owned Afterbuzz TV and they became mentors to me. They just took me under their wing and told me that they loved my attitude and they loved my spirit. They thought that I could do something special. So the WWE asked Maria to be on Tough Enough as a contestant and she was like, “hell no. I’m too old for this. But I have the perfect girl and she’s a fighter.” They called me and they thought I was going to say no because they thought that I was so MMA that I wouldn’t want to depart from it.
But they called me and I said yes right away because I saw the opportunity. I didn’t necessarily think that that meant leaving MMA at that moment, I just thought that it was a competition and reality show that sounded like a good opportunity. I just said, let’s do it. That led me to WWE and I ended up getting it. I mean, I was working my butt off to be ready for the tryout and to do the best that I could. I kind of felt out of place at tryouts because there were a lot of bikini world champions like Mandy and fitness models and I was just this little rough around the edges Jersey girl who fought MMA. I definitely stood out in that sense.
A couple of months later, I was hired and the rest was kind of history. I just fell in love with the world of WWE. It was everything that I had always been looking for. It was the performing and competition aspect all rolled into one for my career. Honestly, it was so meant to be and it’s just exactly where I should be.
AM: In terms of Sonya Deville, can you tell us about this persona and what are the similarities and differences between you and her?
DB: When I was first developing Sonya’s character, she was very simplistic at first. She was just a badass that was an MMA fighter who was coming into this world. All she cared about was fighting and winning. She’s a very straight to the point kind of character. Over time, being with Absolution (trio that comprised Paige, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville) on RAW and being on Fire and Desire (tag team of Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville) on SmackDown with Mandy and working with Paige in the past. It all kind of added to the persona of Sonya Deville. Because life experiences make us who we are as people.
So that’s kind of the case with Sonya. She was definitely third wheeling it a little with Absolution and with Fire and Desire, took a backseat to Mandy Rose because it was about Mandy’s magazine covers ironically. It was Sonya always taking the back seat to everything that Mandy was doing because that was just the dynamic of the team. So, Sonya had enough and a lot of what you’re seeing now on SmackDown is a compilation of everything that Sonya has been through emotionally. Everyone is starting to realize that Sonya is a bad B.
AM: Yeah she is!
DB: She doesn’t mess around and she has a little bit of an anger issue I think that we are starting to see and a little bit of an anger problem. But she’s calculated and much more calculated than what I think that we ever thought Sonya was. She’s not as impulsive as she once was. She’s more calculated and every move and everything that she does is made with intention and purpose.
AM: You guys have a fight this Fri on SmackDown!
DB: Yes we do!
AM: The internet is all over the place talking about this. So many of our readers are asking what you can tell us about this and any goodies you can tell as we will drop this issue a few hours before your fight!
DB: Oh wow! I think that you’re going to see a side of Sonya Deville that you have never seen before. Nobody has ever seen this before! She’s been waiting to get her hands on Mandy Rose for years! You have to understand that this isn’t something that just developed over night. The fans are just seeing it happen overnight because Sonya has been keeping it inside just planning and bottling it up. They have to understand that this is a plan that has been coming to fruition that has been in the works for 4 years. 4 years that Sonya has been getting stepped on and has been keeping a mental piggy bank of things that she can use against Mandy Rose. You’re going to see all of that come to fruition on Friday night!
AM: Oh my gosh. Well obviously we can’t wait to see all of this, how it develops and what happens afterwards.
So right now, when you look at the word normal, it’s an interesting word to say, but when you look at an average week as a WWE Superstar, what is it like with you training, getting prepared for matches and you guys are actively still participating in your sport where others are not able to do this. How has that been for you?
DB: We’ve all just kind of developed our own systems at home. Because obviously no gyms are open so I have been training in my home gym that I have built over the past few months. It’s great and I’m blessed that I have it as it is a space that allows me to stay in shape and ready at all times for the ring.
When we show up to film, it’s a completely closed set and we’re doing everything that we can – no crowd nothing! I think it’s pretty remarkable to see that we are able to go forward in a way that is still keeping everyone safe and healthy, but also being able to put a product on television right now so that people can hopefully be distracted for a few hours of their week and not have to think about everything else that is going on out there in the world right now.
AM: We totally agree with you. When your shows were coming out, we wondered how you would be able to do what you guys do without an audience. But when you’re watching it, you’re still seeing the drama as if there were a million people in that room. We commend you for that. The amount of travel that you guys do, the hours you spend going from one place to another while being fresh faced and ready to give it all for your fans is just something that you guys do as a team that is so great.
DB: Thank you. I mean being part of the WWE, it’s a very special thing and very unique. Because of the scheduling, the travel, the amount of shows that we put on a year that people don’t realize. So in a time like this, we have to reinvent the wheel a little bit and recreate. It’s fun for me as an artist and as a performer. It’s been super fun for me to have to dig a little deeper and to see what we can do to still put on an incredible show without the fans. Obviously, the fans are a huge part of what we do.
AM: In terms of training, what are your go-to workouts that you focus on to stay fit and what are workouts that we can do at home?
DB: I switch it up almost every day. Because it obviously gets monotonous to do the same thing every day. I’ll wake up some mornings and do a mile run or an 8-10 mile bike ride on the days that I don’t feel like lifting weights. Some days I don’t feel like lifting weights and my body is telling me to take it easy on the weights. So I’ll just do some cardio on some days or do some laps to the pool. Some days I will do a full on lift mode for weight training. Usually I will do a high intensity workout or a circuit workout one day a week. Then the other 3 or 4 days, I will do an actual weight lifting workout which will have a back and thigh day, shoulders and tri day or a lower body day. That’s kind of how I break up my week.
I’m always switching it up and I always say that if you have a kettlebell or a dumbbell, there is so much that you can do. The options are endless and they’re still available if you go on Amazon and so many other websites that are still selling them. Resistance bands are so amazing. I have a couple of at home workouts that are on my YouTube channel – Daria Berenato. You just have to reinvent the wheel a little bit right?
AM: What are your 3 power foods that you like to eat when you're training?
DB: Redcon1 Mint Chocolate Chip Protein is my favorite thing in this entire world! I’m obsessed. There’s these Kodiak Protein Pancakes mix that are the best in the entire world that I have had in my entire life. Eggs are then my day one go to! I probably have them 6 days a week if not 7. Eggs are so easy and I will do egg whites a lot too. It’s easy to get protein.
AM: One of the things that we love about you is the fact that we know that you’re athletic, you have a fitness focus and you also enjoy eating fun stuff like donuts and other things like that. That’s so important as coming from a fashion/fitness perspective, there are so many people that make others feel bad that even those who do take care of their bodies – that there is a stigma if you engage in that. You’re able to hold both of those things and you normalize that. Why was that so important to you to include that and bring it into your brand for fans to also see that.
DB: I truly believe that life is all about balance. I definitely have a type of personality where if I become focused on working out, I become obsessed with working out. If I’m dieting, I become obsessed with dieting. I’ve always kept a really healthy balance with my diet. Ever since stopping MMA, in MMA you’re dieting and your carb depleted and calorie depleted because you’re cutting weight for your fight. That was super stressful on the body and the mind. So when I switched over to WWE as a professional wrestler, where we don’t have weight classes and a weight to make, I kind of promised myself never to diet that hard again just because I didn’t like how I felt even mentally doing it. Now I have developed something that works for me. Everybody’s body is different, we have different genetics and we work out and train differently too. But I have gotten my body to a point where I know what I can and can’t have in a week and what I need to do to burn it off if I do want to have it. That’s how I think. Work hard, play hard is definitely a motto that I have that follows me into the kitchen too. I love donuts, I love pizza – I probably have pizza once a week, I’m not even going to lie.
AM: Nice.
DB: Yup, I have those pancakes, they’re protein – but they’re still pancakes. I have them probably once or twice a week. I like to enjoy my food for sure. Me and Mandy had our donut show DAMANDYZ DONUTS which is now Daria’s Donuts! We don’t do that show together and I have been producing my own content for that show. I think she has been doing her own show. I don’t pay attention to her in what she does. It’s been really fun to try different donut places all over the world and I cooked my own for the first time.
AM: How’d that go?
DB: It was an absolute mess in the kitchen! But they actually didn’t taste that bad!
AM: Well there you go!
DB: I baked them, I need to fry them next time.
This week, I’m dropping a poolside workout for my fans. So it’s a really cool brand that we have created with Daria’s Donuts and is everything that we have talked about with health, fitness and a little bit of enjoyment and lifestyle stuff.
AM: What is your favorite donut in your favorite city?
DB: In Louisiana, I’ll never forget when I took a bite out of this donut. It was in Lafayette, Louisiana and it’s called Meche's Donut King. It’s a tiny little hole in the wall. Best donut that I have ever had in my life.
AM: What donut was it?
DB: A hot, classic glazed donut. But it was warm, the bread was moist and it was just perfect.
AM: I've been a fan of E! Total Divas and have enjoyed seeing your storyline on it. What was it about being on this show that made you want to be apart of it?
DB: They auditioned me for Total Divas two years in a row actually. The year before, they decided not to add anybody new. When they asked me to do it, I immediately said yes. I love Total Divas, I think it is one of the coolest shows because it gives the mainstream demographic a look into our lives. People don’t watch wrestling – like growing up, I didn’t watch wrestling. But I remember walking into my mom’s room and she had on Total Divas. It was the episode when Nattie busted her nose or something like that. I’ll never forget it. I asked my mom who the girls were and if they were wrestlers because I couldn’t understand it. She explained it to me and I knew I wanted to do that.
I swear on my life, I went online and went to apply. I don’t remember why, but I couldn’t apply. Either I wasn’t 18 yet or at the time, you couldn’t have tattoos. Either way I forget. There was some stipulation on the website where I told my mom that I couldn’t do it yet. It’s really funny because life comes full circle!
I was intrigued through Total Divas because I watched E! It was such a cool look to show our world and what goes on behind the scenes for those that don’t watch wrestling. Maybe looking at it could help them get into wrestling, enjoy the sport and fall in love with it just like we did. It’s really been fun and it was a no brainer when they asked. Of course, I was nervous about putting my whole entire life out there – my family, my friends and my relationship. That was nerve wracking. Obviously, it's much more nerve wracking to be yourself on camera versus playing a character on camera. It was a really cool experience and I feel like I have learned a lot more about myself doing it and I would definitely do it again.
AM: Who are you close to in the WWE that you consider being in your squad?
DB: Well Mandy was. Liv Morgan, Carmella – those are the ones that I’m closest too. Bayley, Becky Lynch – those are like my girls.
AM: Love that. Once again seeing all of those interactions on the show is fun for the Athleisure Media team as we love seeing a number of the people that we have done photoshoots and interviews with and seeing how their personalities on the show are just like when they were with us on set. Or seeing a scene and knowing that we were with them the day before.
DB: Right! That’s funny. We have such a good locker room because we all get along so well – we’re blessed. We have Trin, Saronas – we have such a cool locker room.
AM: We have been media sponsors for the past 4 years of NYC Pride as we think it's so important to celebrate and be allies to the LGBTQ community. As the first openly lesbian Superstar in the WWE how important was it for your to share your sexuality and how can the WWE improve representation and equality?
DB: Absolutely. It’s funny and I’m reminded every single day why I share my story and why I’m open about my life to the fans. Obviously, it’s not the easiest decision and not the easiest way to live. It’s much easier to just be yourself and to think that no one needs to know. I chose to share my story and I’m s happy that I did because I hear from people every single day that they are struggling with coming out and figuring who they are and sharing it with their loved ones, family and friends. We’ve made leaps and bounds in the LGBTQ community and in the world with acceptance and equality. But there is still so much to do. The fight is never over and I think it is so important to have an ally in the public eye. For me when I was growing up, the only gay person that I ever saw on TV was Ellen Degeneres and so there wasn’t many other representatives that I knew at the time.
So for me, a closeted gay girl that grew up in a small town in south New Jersey, I didn’t even think that it was a thing. I didn’t think that I could possibly be gay because I didn’t know anybody that was. I would have thoughts and I would push them way down in there because I didn’t think it could be. It seemed far fetched and I didn’t allow myself to be who I was. I find a lot of light in being able to do that for this generation’s Daria. I want to be the voice for the little me that never had one. For all of these kids, teens and adults who are dealing with these things now – they know who they are but they don’t have anyone to talk to about it or they don’t think it’s ok – just help them with their struggling emotions and let them know that it is more than ok. It’s more than ok to be who you are, it’s more than ok to love who you love and there is nothing to be apologetic about. Anybody who is meant to be in your life, will remain in your life, those who aren’t will exit. Everything happens for a reason and there is no love that is not pure.
I like to be that voice because I know all to well that feeling of not feeling you have anyone to relate to.
AM: What LGBTQ initiatives do you support?
DB: About a year or two ago we worked with WWE to get the first line of LGBTQ wrestling shirts. I got my “Put Your Hair Up and Square Up” rainbow shirt, Finn Balor got his, Becky Lynch got hers, Charlotte Flair – a bunch of Superstars I think 10 of them got them. The proceeds of the rainbow shirts went to GLAAD We were on the GLAAD Pride parade float in the NYC World Pride Parade. I was the representative for that! I got to ride the float and to represent WWE which was a super cool experience. We did the Spirit Day Lounge and NY ComicCon a few years back in NY. Slowly but surely, we’re getting a lot more involvement with community and I push for it every year. We’re always having meetings about it and what we can do to represent.
I have my own line called Rainbow Love which is completely LGBTQ friendly forward clothing line. One of the first shirts that we dropped said, “You Are Not Alone” with the Suicide Prevention Hotline on the back. It’s a super cool shirt and one of my favorite designs in the entire line. It’s so strong and it’s just so powerful. It just speaks for itself and lets you know that you shouldn’t be afraid to talk – to reach out for help to talk to somebody as we’re all going through shit and life isn’t every easy, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel with a silver lining. It’s ok to have a Heavy Heart, but Rainbow Love. There’s a bigger line which is called Heavy Heart which this is apart of.
There’s a bunch of different ways that I try to do stuff like that. This year, I had planned on being on 6 or 7 Pride floats with the WWE behind me. Obviously, plans have changed on that a little bit, but we are working and talking about how we can be there to support virtually.
I look back at myself before I came out and know that I wasn’t able to be myself. When you’re keeping this secret from people that you are close with and those that you love the most, and you can’t act the way you want to in public it’s such a depressing feeling – it affects and manifests in ways that you can’t imagine and you don’t realize it. I mean, hindsight is 20-20 and all I can say to people is that being open and honest with who I was was the best decision that I ever made.
AM: Tell us about Quibi's WWE unscripted series "Fight Like a Girl."
DB: This was a really cool project. WWE partnered with Quibi which is a network with bite sized videos and a new series called “Fight Like a Girl,” focuses on a young woman who wants to make changes in her life for the better. She is teamed up with a WWE Superstar to help reach those goals and accomplishments. They go through a training program at the state of the art WWE Performance Center in Orlando as well as an extensive physical training, emotional training, mental training and mentorship program with Superstars. It’s really a cool show. I was partnered with a girl named Samantha who was closeted to half of her family and she was nervous to tell her father’s side. We just talked honestly and I just told her my journey and I think she was able to relate to the things that I said. I used fitness and force and working out as my biggest crutch when I was going through everything. It was my sanity and happy place when I was going through a lot of the stuff that I have been through. I think she was able to relate to that and she really got into working out and got in incredible shape and it was such a cool experience to see her total mind and body transformation. It was really cool.
AM: Circling back, we were talking about your clothing line, Rainbow Love, how did the line come about?
DB: My good friend Bobbie owns Black Craft clothing which is in Hot Topic and a couple of other stores. He wanted to expand and make a new line as he had been working on that for years. He wanted to make a new line, Heavy Heart and he called me up to be apart of it. He said that he didn’t know the kinds of things that I was into, but he knew that I wanted to make a clothing line anyway. He asked me if I wanted my own line under Heavy Heart. I would be able to name it, come up with the concept – whatever. We went back and forth for months with ideas and throwing things against the wall to see what would stick. I told him that I wanted to do something that I was passionate about and I didn’t want to just throw a logo on a shirt and call it a day. I suggested doing a LGBTQ forward line and he thought it was dope. We came up with the “You’re Not Alone Shirt” with the Suicide Prevention Hotline and a few other shirts, another one called True Colors, a couple that just says Rainbow Love with a cool graphic of my face on it. We just hand designed all of the stuff and we wanted the line to be very raw. We wanted it to speak for itself and let people know that it is ok to express your emotions and to be as dark or as bright as you feel. Life’s not always perfect and it’s ok to be in your feels. It’s ok to have a Heavy Heart, but Rainbow Love. It’s been really cool and I think the fan response has been incredible.
We’re trying to set something up where maybe one of our product’s proceeds will go to a charity or maybe a percentage of all of the products will. We don’t know all the details yet but we are working on that. I just want to be able to help in any way that I can with Suicide Prevention and LGBTQ community in general. It’s been so cool and my fans love it because it is something that they can relate to. The clothing line is friendly to them. It’s more inclusivity that’s subtle but really sweet at the same time.
I wanted it to be clothes that I would rock everyday that you would see me in. I wear the shirts all the time and it’s totally my vibe. Obviously, it’s black because I wear a lot of that, but it’s got the color pop on it too and that matches with my personality as well. I am a little social butterfly despite my dark character persona with Sonya Deville. It’s relatable and true to who I am.
AM: A number of people from the WWE like Dwayne Johnson and John Cena have gone on to having movie careers, competition reality shows etc - do you have plans to follow in their footsteps?
DB: That’s been a goal of mine as acting is my passion and my first dream! Something I have always kept in mind is that you have to go where your path takes you. You have to work hard, but if life hands you a lemon – you have to make lemonade. That’s what I did. I got a little off of the path of becoming an actor, but I actually found something that could get me there in a better way in my opinion. To follow in the footsteps of John Cena, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista – guys that have come over from WWE and stepped into Hollywood. That’s ultimately the long time game plan. I want to act in television and in film. I’d love to be in The Mandalorian or The Fast and The Furious.
AM: Could so see that.
DB: Right? It would be so fun! I feel like I have created a little brand for myself with WWE and that’s just going to continue to grow and it will make the transition nice and smooth. In the meantime, I have been working with an acting coach, Sean Whalen for the last 2 years. I have been putting in extra hours which isn’t always easy when you’re on the road, but it has helped tremendously with everything that I do from WWE to acting. That’s my goal to be the first female that has made that huge leap.
AM: What advice do you have for women and girls on how they should blaze their own trails in career and in life?
DB: Well if it helps any – I was called crazy and ridiculous. I was 17 moving out of my house saying I was going to be a professional MMA fighter and an actor in a time where Ronda Rousey didn’t exist yet in the UFC. It was a horse of a very different path and no one thought that I was capable except for myself. The power of believing in yourself is so strong! I would say, say less – do more. Put your head down and work your ass off and you can literally accomplish anything. My story is a testament to that. There were so many times that I got down on myself and I said, "I'm not going to make it," I still woke up every day at 6am and trained for 4 hours and then bartended until 2am and did it all over again. You’ve got to grind if you want it. Just don’t ever give up on your dreams. There’s nothing more gratifying in your life than living your dreams.
AM: We like asking people who are 3 people that inspire them in their careers or in life whether you know them personally, follow them online etc?
DB: Ellen Degeneres for sure, Gina Carano and I’m going to go with my mom. Everyone plays a certain role. Ellen showed me at a very young age so much strength and resilience. She wasn’t only in a very male dominated world but a hetero dominated world. She broke down so many barriers for women and LGBTQ people. She’s inspirational in her own right and went through so many struggles being who she is.
Gina Carano was the first pioneer of the MMA for women and was one of the first huge female superstars that people would actually pay to go see. She’s incredibly badass.
My mom is just the definition of unconditional love and support. Although everyone else called my dreams crazy, she did not call them crazy and for that, she is my day one!
PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 16, 26, 28, 30 + 32 WWE | PG 18 + 21 Vince Trupsin | PG 22, 24 + 39 Ryan Loco | PG 35 TOTAL DIVAS -- Season 9 Gallery -- Pictured: Sonya -- (Photo by: Brian Bowen Smith/E! Entertainment) | PG 36 TOTAL DIVAS -- Maui Vacation -- Pictured: (l-r) Carmella, Sonya -- (Photo by: Mario Perez/E! Entertainment) |
Hear WWE Superstar & E! Total Divas', Daria Berenato/Sonya Deville this month on our show, #TRIBEGOALS -which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.
Read the April Issue of Athleisure Mag and see From the Ring to the World with Daria Berenato in mag.
Featured Athlete
MELLABRATION TIME WITH LEAH VAN DALE
This September, our cover is graced by Leah Van Dale who wrestles under the name Carmella as a WWE SuperStar who is also on E! Total Divas, which is back for its 9th season on Oct 1st! Our shoot took place during NYFW, which showcased SS20 collections that we can't wait to start rocking in a few months. Our shoot took place at The Mondrian Park Ave Hotel on the Mondrian Terrace as well as at their lower level lounge known as The Boogie Room.
As we showcased great transitional fall looks, we also got to know more about this athlete, whose career has included being a dancer for the New England Patriots as well as the LA Lakers as a Laker Girl and of course being a WWE SuperStar. In addition, she also launched her own wine label that embodies her mantra and how she sees the world as she continues to amass her empire.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You have had an amazing career, that has included cheerleading, dancing, modeling, wrestler and entrepreneur. When you were growing up, what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be an entertainer?
LEAH VAN DALE: For as long as I can remember. I was dancing before I could even walk. It’s where I feel the most comfortable. I’ve always loved putting on a show!
AM: Earlier this year, our Feb cover included a few members of the Super Bowl Champions’ New England Patriots, what was your journey to becoming a cheerleader for this team for 3 seasons?
LVD: I danced my entire life. When I started college I knew I wanted to continue my passion for dancing. I found out about a try out to become a New England Patriots Cheerleader. I went to the try out and made it! The rest was really history.
AM: After 3 seasons with the New England Patriots, you became a Laker Girl for the Los Angeles Lakers for a season, what was that process like?
LVD: At the time, you could only cheer for the Patriots for three seasons. I had just graduated college in May of 2010 and I was ready for a change. I flew out to LA the day before the tryout. There were almost 700 girls there for the audition and only 6 spots open on the team. I felt so out of my element. I kept making it to the next round and after almost two months of tryouts and training I made the team! I picked up and moved to LA without knowing anyone or anything about the city, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it.
AM: As someone who was familiar with the WWE as your father Paul Van Dale is a mixed martial artist and worked with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in the 80s and 90s – when did you decide that you wanted to be in the WWE?
LVD: Honestly, I never thought I would end up in the WWE. I used to watch it when I was a kid, but it wasn’t something I aspired to do. I wanted to be a dancer. My dad would bring it up from time to time but I always shut the idea down. When I did everything I could with dance I found out about a tryout with WWE. The timing was perfect. All the stars aligned and my journey to become Women’s Champion began.
AM: Tell us about your journey for becoming a part of the WWE?
LVD: I moved to Orlando in 2013 when I was signed to WWE’s developmental brand NXT. I trained at the Performance Center for a little over two years; learned the basics in wrestling and created my Carmella character. In 2016, I was drafted to Smackdown Live and I’ve been moon walking and trashing all over TV since.
AM: Your ring name is Carmella, why did you choose that name and what is the persona of her when you're wrestling – how does this differ from you?
LVD: I wanted an Italian mob-wife character. I channeled my inner Carmella Soprano. I wore fur jackets and talked with an accent. We already had a girl on the roster billed from Boston (where I’m from) so they decided to bill me from Staten Island (which is my real life rival!! A New Englander pretending to be from New York?!?!) I did all the studying I could do to make sure I really gave off the Staten Island vibes and I pride myself on my character. She’s definitely more outspoken than Leah. But it’s essentially me with the volume turned up to 100!
AM: What is the process like when you are creating your ring persona and do you have input when it comes to the storylines that you are involved in?
LVD: I had all of the way in creating Carmella. She’s definitely evolved over the years, but I feel lucky that the first character I came up with is still what I’m doing today. Some people go years trying to create their on screen persona, so I’m very fortunate.
AM: You have had a number of amazing wins in your career at the WWE, what are 3 of your favorite storylines that you have been involved in?
LVD: I loved my story with Nikki Bella when I first debuted on Smackdown Live. It was my first feud and it was super high profile. I was so nervous to work with her, but she was incredible. She always had my back. I loved when I became Miss Money in the Bank. I made history in the first ever women’s MITB ladder match. I got to carry that contract and be so incredibly obnoxious about it. Of course my final favorite is when I cashed in on Charlotte Flair the Smackdown after Wrestlemania 34. I was an over the top champion with these ridiculous Mellabrations. It was so fun.
AM: Who do you consider as members of your squad within the WWE?
LVD: I have a good group of girls I’m close with. Bayley is one of my best friends. We got super close during our time in NXT and we’ve remained that way despite being on different brands the last few years. Natalya is my girl. We text literally every single day. She’s so funny. I love Sonya and Mandy as well. We all lived in Fort Lauderdale for the last year and they’re just super fun.
AM: As an athlete in the WWE, what does it mean to you to be in this organization as well as being apart of a number of the amazing things taking place within the women’s matches that take place there?
LVD: This is the best time to be a lady wrestler. I feel so fortunate to be a part of so many historical moments. These are the times everyone will be talking about when it comes to the Women’s Evolution.
AM: Fitness has been a key component of your career and you have even been in videos with Bob Harper, why is it so integral to you?
LVD: Fitness has been an important part of my life since I was a kid. My parents have always instilled that into my sister and me. When I’m active and eating healthy is when I feel my best. Of course we all fall off the wagon every now and then, but I always get back to it.
AM: What is a typical day like for you when you’re working out?
LVD: When I’m at home (which is RARE!) I train with my trainer or I do yoga. On the road I do empty stomach cardio in the morning, either 30 min on the stationary bike or walk on the treadmill on a high incline. Then I do some weight training. I alternate upper and lower body workouts.
AM: You were wrestling at Madison Square Garden earlier this month, what is your day like going into a day like that?
LVD: Usually it’s a workout in the morning then I just head to the arena for 2pm. Just to walk into MSG is mind blowing, nevermind knowing I get to perform there. It’s every entertainer's dream. This was my third time there. It never gets old!
AM: You’re constantly on the move, what is the average week like for you between taping shows, being in the ring and more?
LVD: It varies from week to week, but typically something like this:
Saturday fly from home to the first city, have the show, the drive to the next town. Have a show on Sunday, then drive to the next town. After our show on Monday, I drive to wherever we have our live tv show Smackdown Live that week. Of course the gym and finding healthy spots to eat inbetween all of that. When we’re filming for Total Divas, I would fly to wherever we are filming that Wednesday morning after TV. We film Wednesday-Friday then fly to the next set of shows on Saturday. When we aren’t filming, I sometimes get to go home Wednesday-Friday, in between show loops.
AM: Season 9 of E! Total Divas premiers on Oct 2nd – why do you like being a part of this show and how important is it to be involved so that we can know more about you as well as your character?
LVD: I was on the show for season 7, but I didn’t get the opportunity to really open up and show my truth. I’m excited to do that this time around.
Nothing is off-limits, which scares me a little. It’s very nerve-wracking to put your entire personal life out there for everyone to judge, but I’m ready!
AM: What can you tell us about your upcoming season?
LVD: It’s all about our sisterhood. There’s six of us: Ronda Rousey, Nattie, Sonya Deville, Trinity and Nia Jax. You’ll get to see my relationship with my boyfriend Corey Graves and of course there’s a little drama with the girls.
AM: Tell us about Capo Cagna Wine – how did this opportunity come about, how long were you in development, what is the meaning behind the name and where can people get it?
LVD: It’s been in the works for well over a year now. It’s been such a long process with a lot of ups and downs. I wanted to start a brand and have it mean something. I want everyone to feel like a Boss Bitch when they’re drinking it, which is was Capo Cagna means in Italian.
AM: Wine is a beverage that a number of people enjoy or are just learning about, we love how you position your wine regardless of the sippers’ wine background – why is that your approach?
LVD: I think it’s important to feel confident. I want whoever grabs the bottle of wine to know they deserve to feel a little boujie, but it’s not going to break the bank. It’s all about being boujie on a budget. So if you’re a wine snob, this is not the wine for you! ;)
AM: Currently, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are available, will there be additional varietals that we should keep an eye out for?
LVD: Yes! We will have a Rosé launching for the summer of 2020.
AM: On average, how many times a year are you traveling?
LVD: 52 weeks a year. We don’t have an off season.
AM: As someone who travels quite frequently, what are 3 things that are in your carryon that make you feel like you’re at home?
LVD: I always keep one of my comfy sweaters in my backpack so I pull that out for the plane ride; my eye mask and my iPad so I can keep up on all of my favorite reality shows (Real Housewives is my guilty pleasure.)
AM: Do you have any philanthropies or charitable work that you are a part of that you can share with us?
LVD: With WWE we are always involved with so many charitable organizations. A few that I work closely with are The Boys and Girls Club, Be a Star (WWE's anti-bullying campaign) and UNICEF Kid Power.
AM: When you have downtime, what are 3 things that we could find you doing or eating when you’re taking time for yourself?
LVD: You will find me drinking wine on my couch, eating sushi or pizza and watching Netflix.
AM: In Ft. Lauderdale, where can we find you grabbing a drink/meal, working out and shopping?
LVD: When I’m home, I’m usually a homebody. But I do work with my trainer Danny Blanco at Top Notch Training. Other than that, I’m ordering Uber Eats and laying low!
AM: What are 3 brand/products that you’re loving within each of these three categories of - fitness, beauty and in style?
LVD: I’m all about skin care products. I love using rose water to spray on my face when I travel. Rosehip oil is essential. I’m always shopping on Revolve.com because they have free two day shipping, so my clothes are always there when I get home from the road.
IG @CarmellaWWE
Our cover shoot took place at The Mondrian Park Ave on the Terrace as well as the lower level lounge known as The Boogie Room which is managed by In Good Company Hospitality. We took a moment to chat with Chris Guidice, General Manager of IGC to find out about the spaces, what guests can enjoy and the hotel in general.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did The Boogie Room launch?
CHRIS GUIDICE: The Boogie Room opened a little over a year ago and recently relaunched with brand new art on the walls and throughout the space.
AM: What is the ethos of The Boogie room?
CG: The Boogie Room is a place where art, music, drinks, and culture bridge the gap between approachability and exclusivity. This edgy bar, with its combination of street art and retro furniture, is the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Park Avenue South. The dim lighting and intimate space give an air of elusiveness, while still maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is typical of all IGC Hospitality’s venues.
AM: We love that there are murals at this lower level hotspot, what’s the story behind them and how often do they change?
CG: The walls feature beautiful murals full of bright colors painted by local artists serving as an homage to ’80s and '90s NYC street art. A group of talented artists were brought together and given the direction to create a fun atmosphere that has cultural and historical relevance to this amazing city.
AM: What are 3 signature drinks that we should have the next time that we’re at The Boogie Room?
CG: The Boogie Room’s specialty cocktails are everything on our bottle menu! Of course, we have a full bar with beer, wine, and spirits, but the parade of sparklers and bottles represent the ethos of a Boogie night.
AM: What events are taking place at The Boogie Room this fall that we should mark our calendars?
CG: The Boogie Room takes on a life of its own on Friday and Saturday nights. This nightlife hotspot features some of NYC’s most sought after DJs from 11:30 pm - 2 am every weekend. Think dancing, flowing drinks and bumping music.... There’s always something going on here!
AM: We also shot at the Mondrian Terrace as well – tell us about this space and more about this vibe?
CG: Mondrian Terrace is a year round terrace offering the best of both indoor and outdoor space. We are currently in the final month of our Rosé Terrace installation, a rosé lover’s paradise, and will soon be transitioning to a Fall-themed pop up. Our outdoor terrace overlooks the corner of Park Avenue South and East 30th Street. The indoor lounge is a canvas for seasonal soirees and NoMad nights.
AM: What are 3 signature bites that we should enjoy at Mondrian Terrace?
CG: We change the menu seasonally, but three of my current favorites are burrata with fig balsamic, beef short rib sliders, and the lamb meatballs with feta cheese and pine nuts. Each dish is perfect for snacking on as you sit and take in the great vistas of downtown Manhattan. If you’re feeling generous, they’re all very easy to share
AM: What events are taking place here that we should keep an eye out for as we continue into the fall?
CG: The Rosé Terrace at Mondrian Terrace is winding down and we’ll be debuting a new Fall/Winter pop up soon, so stay tuned! Our Beverage Manager Allie Klug and Executive Chef Todd Matthews are always working on incorporating seasonal ingredients into our menus, which means lots of specials to look forward to.
AM: For the Holiday season, is there anything taking place at The Boogie Room or the Mondrian Terrace that we should swing by?
CG: We’re planning our Halloween party at Mondrian Terrace. Guests can enjoy rooftop views, Halloween Cocktails, and a live DJ. Tickets for the event will be available soon, keep an eye out here for more details.
We also host a weekly Latin Night every Sunday. Of course, for those who really like to plan ahead, we have New Year’s Eve blowouts planned for all of the venues in Mondrian Park Avenue!
AM: With 3 venues at the Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel, what was the process behind coming up with spaces and concepts? You have definitely created different vibes that would fuel guests of the hotel, those that book an event, people who staycation and those who are in the neighborhood that ware interested in swinging by.
CG: The three spaces at the Mondrian have all been designed to have their own unique feel. Cleo is a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant which has American influences in the dishes and distinctly unique décor. Mondrian Terrace offers a relaxed atmosphere and seasonal delicacies, perfect for a first date or corporate party. The Boogie Room stands in stark contrast to the posh and sleek look of the Mondrian and surrounding Park Avenue, it is perfect celebrating birthdays, or just a place to dance the night away. All three spaces are inspired by the hotel’s namesake - Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. The Boogie Room is actually named after one of his paintings titled Broadway Boogie.
AM: Tell us about In Good Company and other locations do you have that we should keep on our radar?
CG: IGC has more than a dozen amazing venues. All super unique and hospitable. We’re excited to recently welcome Woodpecker by David Burke to the portfolio, as well as our second nightclub, Jewel Thief - opening next month! Whichever IGC Hospitality venue you choose to visit, I guarantee you will find the common thread of good food, good drinks, and great people.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Athleisure Mag's cover story was shot by Paul Farkas, using Canon Mark IV; and selected Canon lenses: EF 50 f/1.2 L, EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II, and EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II.
IG @PVFarkas
MAKEUP CREDITS
MUAH Jessica Bonilla used a number of products and tools to create the makeup that is in this cover editorial with WWE SuperStar and E! Total Divas' Leah Van Dale/Carmella.
LOOK I
To hydrate the face, EMBRYOLlSSE Moisturizing Face Cream was used.
Base Makeup: CINEMA SECRETS Foundation 300 Series. LAURA MERCIER Translucent Loose Setting Powder was used.
Bronzer: FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA in Sun Stalk'r (Caramel Cutie and Mocha Mami).
Highlight: First, TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist was sprayed to give a healthy natural glow and take away the powdery look. DOSE OF COLORS Highlight was applied on top in Mirame.
Blush: BH COSMETICS Blush Palette.
Eyes: KKW BEAUTY KKW X MARIO 10 Pan in Eyeshadow Palette in Miami and Albania.
Lips: ANASTASIA BEVERYLY HILLS Lip Palette (mixed colors for the light pink look) and mixed FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb in Diamond Milk for a satin finish.
LOOK II
KISS PRODUCTS lashes in Poise and smudged a little black lipstick from the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Lip Palette for a more natural styled sultry eye. The lips are brighter for the sporty look with a pretty pop of peach with FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Diamond Milk over the top.
LOOK III
The lip for this look is FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb in Universal for a beautiful sporty look.
LOOK IV
This look was kicked up a notch for this beautiful gold jumpsuit. We wanted a lot of color for the eyes. Jessica used MORPHE X JACLYN HILL Eyeshadow Palette in Bling Bling and the Metallic Purple Shade Gem in the crease. A light blue shade from NYX Petit Brights Pallette was used in the inner corner. For the outer corners, Jessica used colors Iri Ji (a pink shade) and Ofala (an orange shade) from the JUVIA’S PLACE Festival Palette with Odogwo (gold shade from the same palette) in the center, INGLOT COSMETICS' 77 Eyeliner and added more of FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Universal Gloss Bomb on the lips.
HAIR CREDITS
Hairstylist Brooke Bogle used a number of products for the hairstyles in this cover editorial with WWE SuperStar and E! Total Divas' Leah Van Dale/Carmella.
LOOK I
Soft beach waves were created using a 1 inch iron. Prepped with CATWALK BY TIGI Haute Iron Spray.
Sprayed at the end as well for added shine.
LOOK II + III
Two side braids into a pony using BEDHEAD TIGI On the Rebound Curl Recall Cream for smoothness.
For added texture to the pony, fluffed and sprayed with TIGI COPYRIGHT Custom Complete Volume Finishing Spray.
LOOK IV
Funky waves with spontaneous braids with accent jewels and rings.
For texture and separation used CATWALK BY TIGI Texturizing Sea Salt Spray and re-scrunched gently. Sprayed CATWALK BY TIGI Haute Iron Spray for added shine.
FASHION CREDITS
Athleisure Mag's Celeb Fashion Stylist, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director Kimmie Smith focused on looks that incorporate a number of pieces that will become go-to's in your closet with the onset of warm weather.
LOOK I
PG 36 | HANRO Nala Soft Cup Bralette | MAVI Tess Super Skinny in Black Snake Jeans | MAISON DE PAPILLON Velvet Blazer | LAGOS Black Caviar Diamond Necklace + Maya Circle Statement Ring |
LOOK II
FRONT/BACK COVERS + PG 19 - 29 | UMBRO Bodysuit | LAGOS JEWELRY Black Caviar Black Ceramic Diamond Earrings + Signature Caviar Diamond Pave Crossover Ring | ATHLETIC PROPULSIONS LABS Techloom Bliss White/Black/White Sneakers |
LOOK III
PG 16, 17, 31 | ALO YOGA Crop Cropped Short Sleeve Top in Caramel + High Waist Ripped Warrior Leggings in White | PARAJUMPERS Hybrids Olivia Puffer Jacket in White | ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS Techloom Bliss White/Black/White Sneakers | LAGOS 18K Gold Caviar 12mm Ball on a Chain Necklace |
LOOK IV
PG 32 - 35 | YANDY Ms. Metallic Jumpsuit in Gold | LAGOS 18K Caviar Gold 2mm Width with 80mm Hoop Earrings + 18K Gold Caviar 12mm Ball on a Chain Necklace |
IG @Shes.Kimmie
Read the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Mellabration Time with Leah Van Dale in mag.
Featured Fashion Editorial
ATHLEISURE MAG | #45 SEP 2019
This month’s cover and back cover is WWE Superstar and E! Total Divas (9th season drops Oct 2nd) – Leah Van Dale who wrestles under the name, Carmella. We talk with her about the upcoming season, her journey to the WWE with her background in fitness, cheerleading and dancing and her new wine label. In our feature, Something You Should Know, we interviewed Tracy Wolfson, sports broadcaster for CBS Sports. She talks about women in sports, how she got to where she is, and what she’s excited about for this season in terms of the storylines that are taking place in the NFL which is celebrating its 100th season. We also sat down with Ron Silver of Bubby’s an iconic restaurant known for its comfort food in Tribeca, The Highline and with 6 outposts in Japan.We talked about how he got into the restaurant business, the cannabis industry and his art. You can also hear his interview on our podcast network, Athleisure Studio within our show Athleisure Kitchen (available at iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Himalaya, Stitcher and wherever you enjoy hearing your favorite shows). This month, we chatted with Chef Alvin of The Usual in NYC for The Art of the Snack.
As usual, we have our monthly roundups including our 9LIST (Athleisure Mag’s picks that we’re loving this month in style, beauty and fitness) featured roundups. This month’s 9LIST STORI3S (picks supplied by celebrities) gives us insight into Celebrity Fitness Trainer and Director of Strength and Endurance Training for the LA Lakers. We are also debuting the newest roundup within the 9LIST ecosystem with 9PLAYLIST (9 songs that we’re loving this month – of course, we’d love to hear from your talent who would like to share their playlists as well). As always, you can enjoy Athleisure List (Le Tea and City Wine Tours), The Pick Me Up, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Style Files, Rock This Look During Sweater Weather, Athleisure Beauty, How to Dress, In Our Bag, #TRIBEGOALS and Pomelo Beauty.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag here.
Featured Athleisure Mag